The SJRC brought together a panel of local librarians and authors for “Why are Books Being Banned Across the U.S.?,” a panel moderated by SJRC Program Director, Donna Smith, and Program Co-Coordinator, Cameron Craig. The panelists include:

• Eric Stroshane has nearly two decades of experience working in libraries and engaging with issues of censorship and surveillance. He received a Masters in Library Science from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a Master of Arts in English from the University at Buffalo. He is currently the news editor for the Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy and manages the Hazelwood neighborhood location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. 

• Helen Campbell is Co-Owner and CEO of Stories Like Me (a woman-owned, queer-owned),  intentionally inclusive Children’s to Young Adult Bookstore, whose mission is that all children and families can see themselves in stories.

After a career in TV and Film production, and Project Management Helen and her two adult children began this journey of bringing books to the community. Opening in Greenfield in October, Stories Like Me is an accessible space which welcomes all.

• Ryan Woodward earned his Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Ryan has worked, conducted research projects, and consulted for several education organizations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Illinois. Originally from Kentucky, he is a librarian, writer, and educator living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

WATCH THE PANEL BELOW!